Cell Differentiation Inducers and Antiandrogenic Active Compounds from Zingiberis Rhizoma

A MeOH extract of Zingiberis Rhizoma (rhizomes of Zingiber officinale) showed cell differentiation inducing activity in M1-cells. From MeOH extract of the rhizomes, nineteen kinds of compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, gingerdiones and dehydrogingerdiones, were isolated. Their structures were identified by means of spectral data including ^1H-NMR and ^<13>C-NMR and 2D-NMR experiments. Some of these compounds were tested for the cell differentiation inducing activity with M1 cells. These compounds were also tested for antiandrogenic activity.